Die guide for a container necker

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides methods and a necking apparatus to reduce a first diameter of an open end of a container body to a second diameter. The necking apparatus includes a necking die and a die guide. The die guide is selectively moveable relative to the necking die to guide the open end of the container body into engagement with the necking die. The die guide includes a flange that extends into a cylindrical bore of the die guide. The flange is configured to engage a shoulder of the container body when the die guide is in a first clamping position relative to the necking die. After engaging the container shoulder with the flange, the die guide moves toward the necking die into a second necking position such that the open end contacts the necking die and the first diameter of the open end is reduced to the second diameter.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/987,201, filed Mar.9, 2020, entitled “DIE GUIDE FOR A CONTAINER NECKER,” the entiredisclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the manufacture of metalliccontainers. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a methodand apparatus for necking the open end of a metallic container.

BACKGROUND

Metallic beverage containers offer distributors and consumers manybenefits. The metallic body of a beverage container provides enhancedprotection properties for beverages and foodstuffs. The surfaces ofmetallic containers are also ideal for decorating with brand names,logos, designs, product information, and/or other preferred indicia foridentifying, marketing, and distinguishing the metallic container andits contents from other products and competitors. Thus, metalliccontainers offer bottlers, distributors, and retailers an ability tostand out at the point of sale.

Additionally, many consumers prefer metallic containers compared tocontainers made of glass or plastic. Metallic containers areparticularly attractive to consumers because they are recyclable,lightweight, and efficient. Metallic containers are particularlysuitable for use in public places and outdoors because they are moredurable than glass containers. Further, some consumers avoid plasticcontainers due to concerns that the plastic may leach chemicals intoconsumable products.

As a result of these and other benefits, sales of metallic containerswere valued at approximately $53 billion globally in 2014. A largepercentage of the metallic container market is driven by beveragecontainers. According to one report, approximately 290 billion metallicbeverage containers were shipped globally in 2012. One U.S. trade groupreported that 126 billion metallic containers were shipped in the U.S.alone in 2014. To meet this demand, metallic container manufacturingfacilities operate some of the fastest and most efficient productionlines in the container industry. Accordingly, specialized equipment isrequired for many of the high-speed operations performed to form themetallic containers. For example, container neckers often operate atspeeds of 2,000 to 3,000 or more metallic containers per minute.

Metallic containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many metalliccontainers are cylindrical, although other shapes are known. Commonsizes range from about 6 ounces to about 32 ounces or larger. Exemplarydiameter sizes for metallic beverage containers are 2 2/16 inches, 24/16 inches, and 2 11/16 inches, which are commonly known as 202, 204,and 211 containers, respectively. Numerous other diameter sizes existand are well known in the art.

Two popular types of metallic beverage containers are metallic bottlesand two-piece cans. A metallic bottle generally has a closed bottom endwhich can have a dome for improved strength characteristics, acylindrical body extending upwardly from the closed end, a neck with areduced diameter extending up from the body, and an open end. An upperend of the neck is typically threaded so that the open end of themetallic bottle can be closed with a Roll-On Pilfer Proof (ROPP) closureor another closure known in the art.

A two-piece can generally includes a cylindrical body with a closed endand an inwardly oriented dome, a neck that has a reduced diameter andwhich extends up from the body, and an open end opposite to the closedend. A flange is frequently formed at the open end of the container bodyso that an end closure can be double seamed to the body after fillingthe container with a product.

For pressurized contents such as carbonated beverages or beer, the endclosure must be made of a metal with a thickness that is on the order ofat least twice the thickness of body. To minimize the overall containerweight and inherent costs, the end closure should be diametrically assmall as possible and yet maintain the structural integrity of thecontainer and the functionality of the end. By forming a neck on acontainer body, the diameter of the end closure used to seal the openend is significantly decreased which ultimately saves material andcosts.

Bodies of two-piece cans used for beverages frequently have an outsidediameter of 2 11/16 inches (“a 211 container”) which is necked down tohave an open end with a diameter of 2 9/16 inches (“a 209 neck”), 2 6/16inches (“a 206 neck”) or even less. Some two-piece cans have necks withan even smaller diameter, such as 204, 202, 200 or less.

The machine that forms a neck in a container body is known as a “necker”and is typically located downstream from container decorators in themetallic container production lines. After the container body is formedinto its cylindrical shape and decorated, dies of the necker applypressure to the upper end of the container body to reshape the open endand form the neck. To form the neck, the container body typically passesprogressively through several neckers arranged in series. For example,bodies of two-piece cans typically pass through six or more neckers. Insome production lines, 14 neckers are used to successively decrease thediameter of the open end to form the neck. Metallic bottles typicallyrequire more necking operations and production lines for metallicbottles may include more than 30 necking operations. The dies of theneckers gradually reduce the diameter of the open end of the containerbody to a final diameter.

Prior art neckers for two-piece cans and metallic bottles have severaldeficiencies which decrease the operating efficiency of metalliccontainer production lines. For example, prior art neckers include anecking die with a cylindrical guide which slides along the body of acontainer as the cylindrical guide aligns the open end of the containerwith a necking surface of the necking die. The cylindrical guide canscratch the container body as the cylindrical guide slides toward theclosed end of the container. This contact between the cylindrical guideand the container body produces friction and the accumulation of metalparticles on the cylindrical guide. Further, the accumulation of metalparticles on the cylindrical guide reduces production and increasescosts.

These problems are illustrated in FIG. 1 in which a prior art necker 20is shown prior to performing a first necking operation on a containerbody 4. The necker 20 generally includes a necking die 24 and a pilot orknockout 34 which fits within the container body 4.

The necking die 24 has a free end 26, a cylindrical guide 28, a neckingsurface 30, and a second cylindrical wall 32. The necking surface 30 isadapted to reduce the diameter of the open end 18 of the container body6 by a predetermined amount.

The cylindrical guide 28 is fixed to the second cylindrical wall 32 andthe necking surface 30. The free end 26 of the necking die is spacedfrom the necking surface 30 by the cylindrical guide. More specifically,the cylindrical guide 28 is positioned between the free end 26 and thenecking surface 30. The prior art necking die 24 can be formed as aunitary piece.

The cylindrical guide 28 has a first interior diameter approximatelyequal to the exterior diameter of the container body 4. In some priorart neckers 20, the clearance between the cylindrical guide 28 and thecontainer body 4 is only about 0.006 inch or less. The secondcylindrical wall 32 has a second interior diameter that is less than thefirst interior diameter. The second interior diameter is equal to theexternal diameter of the neck that will be formed by the first neckingoperation.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the container body 4 is shown engaged with thenecker 20 during the first forming operation. As the container body 4 isengaged with the necking die 24, the cylindrical guide 28 of the priorart necker 20 slides along an exterior surface 6 of the container body4. The open end 18 of the container body contacts the necking surface 30which directs the open end 18 inwardly toward a central axis 22 of thenecker to form a shoulder 12. The container open end 18 is then directedsubstantially parallel to the container body and the central axis 22 toform a neck 14 with a reduced diameter.

The cylindrical guide 28 and the knockout 34 work together to helpmaintain concentricity of the container body relative to the prior artnecker 20 and to the central axis 22. Some prior art neckers 20 havecylindrical guides 28 with a greater length parallel to the central axis22 to increase the amount of time the cylindrical guides 28 contact thecontainer body 4 in an attempt to improve the alignment of the containerbody with the necker. However, the increased stroke length required tooperate longer cylindrical guides 28 decreases the cycle rate of thenecker 20.

In addition, some prior art cylindrical guides 28 have an interiordiameter which provide less than 0.006 inch clearance with the containerbody. Unfortunately, this minimal clearance leads to contact between thecylindrical guide and the container body which can cause severalproblems and decrease efficiency of the container production line. Thecontact of the cylindrical guide with the container body generatesfriction. The friction may decrease the accuracy of alignment of thenecking die 24. Moreover, the contact and friction cause metal particlesfrom the container body to build up on the cylindrical guide 28. Thebuildup of particles on the cylindrical guide can damage containerbodies by forming scratches. The sliding contact of the cylindricalguide may also damage decorations printed on the container body 4.Container production lines have experienced decreased efficiency due tostoppages causes by damaged containers and the need to clean or replacethe prior art necking dies 24. Moreover, these problems may become worsein neckers that have longer cylindrical guides 28 because of theincreased amount of time the cylindrical guides contact the containerbody.

Another problem is that in some prior art neckers, there ispredetermined space or clearance between the exterior diameter of thecontainer neck 14 and the interior diameter of the cylindrical guide 26.The clearance can cause the container neck 14 to be improperly alignedwith the necking surface 30 of the necking die 24. More specifically,the container neck 14 may not be co-axially aligned with the neckingsurface due to the clearance between the exterior surface 6 of thecontainer neck and the interior surface of the cylindrical guide 26.This improper alignment will cause the neck to be formed offset from acentral axis of the metallic container. As the metallic container movesto subsequent neckers, the neck will be progressively formed offset fromthe central axis. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, ametallic container with an offset neck is weaker compared to a metalliccontainer with a cylindrical neck that is aligned with the central axis.

Accordingly, there is a need for a new and improved necker which isreliable and which includes a guide that does not slide along theexterior surface of the container body to improve the efficiency ofmetallic container production lines.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure is an improved die guide for anecking apparatus to form a neck on a container body in a manner whichis more efficient, has less wear than conventional necking tools, andultimately reduces operating costs by improving efficiency in a highspeed metallic container production plant. The die guide generallyincludes a body with a first end which is positioned opposite to asecond end. The body of the die guide is configured to be fixed to ahousing of the necking apparatus and is selectively moveable relative tothe housing between a first clamping position and a second neckingposition.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a novel die guide to alignan open end of a container body with a necking die of a neckingapparatus. The die guide generally includes a cylindrical bore formedthrough a body of the die guide. The cylindrical bore has an interiorwall with an interior diameter that is greater than an exterior diameterof the container body. Accordingly, during operation of the neckingapparatus, the interior wall of the die guide is spaced from an exteriorsurface of the container body.

A flange of the die guide extends from the body into the cylindricalbore. In one embodiment, the flange is integrally formed with the bodyof the die guide. Alternatively, the flange is formed separately fromthe body of the die guide. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the flange isformed of a different material than the die guide body.

The flange has an inner diameter that is less than the exterior diameterof the container body. However, the inner diameter of the flange isgreater than an exterior diameter of a neck of the container body.Accordingly, during a necking operation of the necking apparatus, thecontainer neck and the open end of the container body will pass throughthe cylindrical bore past a first end of the die guide until the flangeengages a shoulder of the container body. The die guide will then movefrom the first clamping position to the second necking position whileguiding the open end of the container body into engagement with thenecking die positioned in a housing of the necking apparatus.

A first aspect of the present disclosure is a necking apparatus forreducing a diameter of an open end of a container body, comprising: (1)a housing having a body with an interior cavity and having a centeraxis; (2) a necking die positioned in the interior cavity about thecenter axis, the necking die configured to reduce the diameter of theopen end of the container body in a necking operation; (3) a knockoutpositioned in the interior cavity and concentrically aligned with thenecking die; (4) an outer guide with a first end operably interconnectedto a free end of the housing, a central bore that extends through thefirst end and a second end, and a ring that extends into the centralbore proximate to the first end; (5) a die guide operably engaged to thehousing and selectively moveable relative to the housing and into thecentral bore of the outer guide from a first clamping position to asecond necking position, the die guide including a first end facing thefree end of the housing, a cylindrical bore, and a flange extendinginwardly into the cylindrical bore, the flange configured to engage ashoulder of the container body; (6) a biasing element operably engagedto the housing with a first end contacting the outer guide and a secondend contacting the die guide; and (7) a keeper interconnected to thesecond end of the outer guide, the keeper configured to limit a strokeof the die guide to a predetermined length.

In one embodiment of the necking apparatus of the first aspect, thecylindrical bore of the die guide has an interior wall with an interiordiameter that is greater than an exterior diameter of the containerbody.

Additionally, or alternatively, the flange has an inner diameter that isless than an exterior diameter of the container body.

Additionally, or alternatively, in another embodiment of the neckingapparatus of the first aspect, during the necking operation, the dieguide engages the shoulder of the container body to align the open endof the container body with the necking die before a forming surface ofthe necking die contacts the open end of the container body.

In one embodiment of the necking apparatus of the first aspect, the dieguide includes a protrusion extending from the first end facing thenecking die. When present, the protrusion has an exterior diameter thatis less than an interior diameter of the ring of the outer guide. Theflange extends inwardly from an interior surface of the protrusion.

In another embodiment of the necking apparatus of the first aspect, thebiasing element is a spring. The first end of the spring extends into ahole formed in the ring and the second end is positioned in a firstpassage extending into the first end of the die guide.

Additionally, or alternatively, the die guide may further comprise asecond passage with a second depth that is different than a first depthof the first passage. In this manner, a force applied to the die guideby the spring is adjusted by positioning the second end of the spring inthe second passage.

In another embodiment of the necking apparatus of the first aspect, thedie guide includes a first flute that extends from a second end of thedie guide toward the first end of the die guide that is proximate to thenecking die. The keeper has a projection positionable in the first fluteto limit movement of the die guide to the stroke of the predeterminedlength.

Additionally, or alternatively, the die guide may further comprise asecond flute with a second height that is different than a first heightof the first flute. In this manner, the length of the stroke is alteredby positioning the projection of the keeper in the second flute.

In one embodiment, the outer guide includes an aperture for a fastener,the aperture extending from through the first and second ends. Theaperture is oriented approximately parallel to the center axis.Optionally, the aperture is offset from the central bore of the outerguide.

In one embodiment, the keeper includes an aperture alignable with thefastener aperture of the outer guide. Accordingly, to interconnect theouter guide and the keeper to the housing, a fastener is positionedthrough the aperture of the keeper, through the aperture of the outerguide, and into a hole formed in the housing.

In one embodiment, the necking apparatus according to the first aspectincludes one or more of the previous embodiments and the body of the dieguide is spaced a first distance from the necking die in the firstclamping position and the body is spaced a second distance from thenecking die in the second necking position, the second distance beingless than the first distance.

In one embodiment, the outer guide is formed of a first material and thedie guide is formed of the first material. Alternatively, in anotherembodiment, the outer guide is formed of the first material and the dieguide is formed of a second material that is different from the firstmaterial.

In one embodiment, the flange is integrally formed with the die guide.Alternatively, in another embodiment, the flange is formed separatelyfrom the die guide and is subsequently interconnected to the die guide.

In one embodiment, the flange is formed of a first material and the dieguide is formed of the first material. Alternatively, in anotherembodiment, the flange is formed of the first material and the die guideis formed of a second material that is different from the firstmaterial.

In one embodiment, the central bore of the outer guide has an interiordiameter that is substantially constant. Additionally, or alternatively,the cylindrical bore of the die guide has an interior diameter that isoptionally substantially constant.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is a method of reducing adiameter of an open end of a container body, comprising: (1) positioningthe container body in a necking apparatus comprising: (a) a housing witha body, an interior cavity, and a center axis; (b) a necking dieretained in the interior cavity; (c) a knockout retained in the interiorcavity, the knockout concentrically aligned with the necking die and thecenter axis; (d) an outer guide operably interconnected to the housingand which has a first end facing a free end of the housing, a secondend, and a central bore that extends through the first and second ends;(e) a die guide operably engaged to the housing and selectively moveableinto the central bore from a first clamping position to a second neckingposition, the die guide including a first end facing the housing and aflange which extends inwardly into a cylindrical bore formed through thedie guide; (f) a biasing element secured to the housing to apply a forceto the die guide; and (g) a keeper interconnected to the second end ofthe outer guide; (2) engaging a shoulder of the container body with theflange of the die guide in the first clamping position; (3) moving thedie guide from the first clamping position to the second neckingposition relative to the housing such that the open end of the containerbody engages the necking die to perform a necking operation to reducethe diameter of the open end; and (4) discharging the container bodyfrom the necking apparatus.

In one embodiment of the method of the second aspect, an interior wallof the cylindrical bore of the die guide has an interior diameter thatis greater than an exterior diameter of the container body such that theinterior wall does not contact the container body during operation ofthe necking apparatus.

Additionally, or alternatively, the flange has an inner diameter that isless than the exterior diameter of the container body. In this manner,the container body is clamped by the flange to impede unintendedmovement of the container body relative to the necking die.

In one embodiment, the method of the second aspect optionally includesaltering the force applied by the biasing element to the die guide.

Altering the force applied by the biasing element may further compriseone or more of: (i) removing the keeper from the outer guide to separatethe die guide from the central bore of the outer guide; (ii) removingthe biasing element from a first passage extending into the first end ofthe die guide, the first passage having a first depth; (iii) positioningthe biasing element in a second passage extending into the first end ofthe die guide, the second passage having a second depth that isdifferent than first depth; (iv) returning the die guide to the centralbore of the outer guide; and (v) interconnecting the keeper to the outerguide to interconnect the die guide to the housing.

The method of the second aspect may include any of the previousembodiments and, additionally or alternatively, further comprisesadjusting a length of a stroke of the die guide.

In one embodiment, the length of the stroke is adjusted by one or moreof: (i) removing the keeper from the outer guide to withdraw aprojection of the keeper from a first flute of the die guide, the firstflute having a first height to limit the stroke of the die guide to afirst length; (ii) positioning the projection in a second flute of thedie guide that has a second height that is different than the firstheight; and (iii) interconnecting the keeper to the outer guide with theprojection in the second flute such that the stroke of the die guide islimited to a second length that is different than the first length.

Optionally, the method of the second aspect further comprises injectinga gas into the container body at a predetermined pressure to enhancerigidity of the container body during a necking operation.

In one embodiment, the first end of the die guide is spaced a firstdistance from the necking die in the first clamping position. In thesecond necking position, the first end is spaced a second distance fromthe necking die, the second distance being less than the first distance.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is a die guide to align an openend of a container body with a necking die of a necking apparatus,comprising: (1) a body with a first end and a second end; (2) acylindrical bore extending through the first and second ends which issized to receive the container body; (3) a flange extending from thebody of the die guide into the cylindrical bore, the flange configuredto engage a shoulder of the container body; (4) a first passageextending into the first end that is adapted to receive a biasingelement; and (5) a first flute extending from the second end toward thefirst end, the flute having a first height to limit a stroke of the dieguide to a first length when a projection of a keeper interconnected tothe necking apparatus is positioned in the flute.

The first passage is optionally oriented approximately parallel to acentral axis of the die guide. In one embodiment, the first passage isoffset from the cylindrical bore. Additionally, or alternatively, thefirst passage may extend between an exterior surface of the body and aninterior wall of the cylindrical bore. In one embodiment, the firstpassage is offset from the first flute.

Additionally, or alternatively, the first flute may be orientedapproximately parallel to a central axis of the die guide. In oneembodiment, the first flute is offset from the cylindrical bore.Optionally, the first flute is recessed into the exterior surface of thebody.

In one embodiment, the die guide of the third aspect further comprises asecond passage that extends into the first end to a second depth. Thesecond depth is different than a first depth of the first passage. Inthis manner, a force applied to the die guide by the biasing element isaltered by moving the biasing element from the first passage to thesecond passage.

In one embodiment, the second passage is oriented approximately parallelto the first passage.

In another embodiment, the die guide further comprises a third passagethat extends into the first end to a third depth. The third depth isdifferent than the first depth and the second depth.

In one embodiment, the third passage is oriented approximately parallelto the first passage.

The body has a body height. In one embodiment, the first, second andthird depths are less than the body height such that the first, second,and third passages do not extend through the second end of the body.

The die guide of the third aspect optionally includes four of the firstpassages, four of the second passages, and four of the third passages.

In one embodiment, the first flute extends between a first flute openingand a first flute end. In one embodiment, the first flute opening is atthe second end of the body. The first flute end defines a stop that isengaged by the projection to limit the stroke to the first length.

In one embodiment, the first flute end is spaced from the first end ofthe body. Optionally, the first flute end is closer to the first endthan to the second end of the die guide.

Additionally, or alternatively, the die guide of the third aspect mayfurther comprise a second flute with a second height. The second heightis different than the first height to limit the stroke to a secondlength that is different than the first length when the projection ofthe keeper is in the second flute.

In one embodiment, the second flute is oriented approximately parallelto the first flute. Additionally, or alternatively, the first passageextends between the first and second flutes.

In one embodiment, the second flute has a second flute opening and asecond flute end. Optionally, the second flute end is closer to thefirst end than to the second end of the die guide.

In another embodiment, the die guide of the third aspect optionallyincludes a third flute with a third height. The third height isdifferent than the first height and the second height to limit thestroke to a third length that is different than the first and secondlengths when the projection of the keeper is in the third flute.

In one embodiment, the third flute has a third flute opening and a thirdflute end. Optionally, the third flute end is closer to the second endthan to the first end of the die guide.

In one embodiment, the first, second and third heights are less than thebody height such that the first, second, and third flutes do not extendto the first end of the body.

The die guide of the third aspect optionally includes four of the firstflutes, four of the second flutes, and four of the third flutes.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical bore is defined by an interior wall.The interior wall has an interior diameter that is greater than an innerdiameter of the flange. In another embodiment, the cylindrical bore isconcentrically aligned with a central axis of the die guide.

The die guide of the third aspect may include any of the previousembodiments and optionally further comprises a protrusion extending fromthe first end. In this embodiment, the flange is formed on theprotrusion.

In one embodiment, the flange is integrally formed with the die guide.Alternatively, in another embodiment, the flange is formed separatelyfrom the die guide and is subsequently interconnected to the die guide.Optionally, the flange is releasably fixed to the die guide.

In one embodiment, the flange is formed of a first material and the dieguide is formed of the first material. Alternatively, in anotherembodiment, the flange is formed of the first material and the die guideis formed of a second material that is different from the firstmaterial.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a necking apparatus including adie guide and a necking die. The die guide is spaced from the neckingdie and configured to move from a first clamping position to a secondnecking position. A flange of the die guide is adapted to engage ashoulder of a container body. After the flange engages the shoulder, thedie guide moves from the first clamping position to the second neckingposition such that the necking die will engage an open end of thecontainer body. The necking die is configured to reduce a diameter of aneck of the container body by a predetermined amount.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of forming aneck on an open end of a container body. The container body ispositioned in a necking apparatus of the present disclosure. The neckingapparatus includes a die guide and a necking die. During a neckingoperation, a neck of the container body is advanced through acylindrical bore of the die guide until a flange of the die guideengages a shoulder of the container body. The die guide then moves froma first clamping position to a second necking position relative to thenecking die while guiding an open end of the container body into contactwith a transition surface of the necking die. The transition surface isconfigured to reduce the diameter of the open end of the container body.

One aspect is a necking apparatus for reducing a diameter of an open endof a container body, comprising: (1) a housing defined by a body with aninterior cavity and having a center axis; (2) a necking die positionedin the interior cavity of the housing about the center axis, the neckingdie configured to reduce the diameter of the open end of the containerbody in a necking operation; (3) a knockout positioned in the interiorcavity and concentrically aligned with the necking die; (4) a biasingelement operably engaged to the housing with a first end and a secondend, the second end contacting a die guide; and (5) the die guideoperably interconnected to the housing and selectively moveable relativeto the housing from a first clamping position to a second neckingposition, the die guide including a cylindrical bore and a flangeextending inwardly into the cylindrical bore, the flange configured toengage a shoulder of the container body.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical bore of the die guide has an interiorwall with an interior diameter that is greater than an exterior diameterof the container body.

In another embodiment, the flange has an inner diameter that is lessthan the exterior diameter of the container body.

The inner diameter of the flange is greater than an exterior diameter ofthe open end of the container body.

In some embodiments, the necking die is retained in the interior cavityby a retention ring. In one embodiment, the retention ring is positionedon a post extending from an open end of the housing. Optionally, theretention ring includes an aperture, and the post extends through theaperture.

In further embodiments, the biasing element is positioned with the firstend in contact with the retention ring.

The die guide may be formed of any suitable material. In one embodiment,the die guide is formed of an engineered plastic, such as a polyetherether ketone (PEEK). Optionally, the die guide is formed of a polymer.For example, in some embodiments, the die guide is formed of apolyethylene, a polypropylene, or a nylon material. Alternatively, thedie guide is formed of a metal or a ceramic. Optionally, the die guideis formed of a bronze alloy. The die guide may also be formed of acarbide, including but not limited to a tungsten carbide.

In one embodiment, the flange is integrally formed with the die guide.Alternatively, in another embodiment, the flange is formed separatelyfrom the die guide and is interconnected to the die guide.

Optionally, the flange is formed of a material that is different than amaterial of the die guide. In one embodiment, the flange is formed ofthe same material as the die guide.

Optionally, the flange is formed of a metal (such as a bronze alloy or acarbide), a plastic (for example, a PEEK), or a ceramic. The flange mayalso be formed of a polymer, including one or more of a polyethylene, apolypropylene, or a nylon material.

In one embodiment, during the necking operation, the die guide engagesthe shoulder of the container body to align the open end of thecontainer body with the necking die before a transition surface of thenecking die contacts the open end of the container body.

Optionally, the biasing element is a spring. Any suitable spring knownto one of skill in the art may be used with the necking apparatus. Forexample, the biasing element may be a compression spring, including acoil spring.

In another embodiment, the biasing element biases the die guide to thefirst clamping position.

In one embodiment, in the first clamping position, the die guide is afirst distance from a free end of the knockout. In the second neckingposition, the die guide is a second distance from the free end of theknockout, the second distance being less than the first distance.

In one embodiment, the necking apparatus includes a transmission line toinject a gas into the container body at a predetermined pressure beforethe necking die performs the necking operation. Optionally, the shaftpositioned within the housing includes a bore to inject the gas into thecontainer body. The gas may be compressed air. Alternatively, the gasmay be any suitable gas known in the art.

It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a method ofreducing a diameter of an open end of a container body. The methodgenerally includes, but is not limited to, one or more of: (1)positioning the container body in a necking apparatus including (a) ahousing with a body, an interior cavity, and a center axis; (b) anecking die retained in the interior cavity; (c) a knockout retained inthe interior cavity, the knockout concentrically aligned with thenecking die and the center axis; (d) a die guide operably interconnectedto the housing and selectively moveable from a first clamping positionto a second necking position, the die guide including a flange whichextends inwardly into a cylindrical bore formed through the die guide;and (e) a biasing element secured to the housing to apply a force to thedie guide; (2) engaging a shoulder of the container body with the flangeof the die guide in the first clamping position; (3) moving the dieguide from the first clamping position to the second necking positionrelative to the housing such that the open end of the container bodyengages the necking die to perform the necking operation to reduce thediameter of the open end of the container body; and (4) discharging thecontainer body from the necking apparatus.

In one embodiment, an interior wall of the cylindrical bore has aninterior diameter that is greater than an exterior diameter of thecontainer body such that the interior wall does not contact thecontainer body during operation of the necking apparatus.

In another embodiment, the flange has an inner diameter that is lessthan the exterior diameter of a shoulder of the container body. In thismanner, the shoulder is clamped by the flange to impede unintendedmovement of the container body relative to the necking die.

In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the flange is greater than anexterior diameter of the open end of the container body. In this manner,the open end does not contact the flange.

The necking apparatus optionally includes a post extending from an openend of the housing. In one embodiment, the necking die is retained inthe interior cavity by a retention ring. The retention ring may bepositioned on the post. The retention ring is adapted to be retained ina predetermined position with respect to the housing. In one embodimentthe retention ring includes an aperture. The post may extend through theaperture to retain the retention ring in the predetermined position.Optionally, the post is oriented approximately parallel to the centeraxis.

The post can be interconnected to the housing in any suitable manner.Optionally the post is threadably engaged to the housing. In oneembodiment, the housing includes a threaded aperture to receive athreaded portion of the post.

The post may include a head opposite to the threaded portion. In oneembodiment, a distance between the head and the housing may be adjustedby rotating the post. For example, rotating the post in a firstdirection will move the head closer to the housing. Alternatively,rotating the post in a second direction will move the head further awayfrom the housing.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises injecting a gas into thecontainer body at a predetermined pressure to enhance rigidity of thecontainer body during a necking operation.

Yet another aspect is a die guide to align an open end of a containerbody with a necking die of a necking apparatus, comprising: (1) a bodywith a first end and a second end; (2) a cylindrical bore extendingthrough the first and second ends which is sized to receive thecontainer body; and (3) a flange extending from the body of the dieguide into the cylindrical bore; and (4) an aperture extending into thefirst end of the body to receive a biasing element.

In one embodiment, the aperture does not extend through the second endof the body.

The aperture of the body may be configured to receive a guide postextending from an open end of a housing of the necking apparatus tomoveably interconnect the die guide to the necking apparatus.

Optionally, the aperture includes a seat to engage the biasing elementto bias the die guide in a first clamping position relative to thehousing of the necking apparatus. For example, the aperture mayoptionally include a first portion with a first diameter. A secondportion of the aperture may have a second diameter that is less than thefirst diameter.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical bore is concentrically aligned with acenter axis of the die guide.

In another embodiment, the aperture extends in a direction that isapproximately parallel to the center axis.

In one embodiment, the aperture is offset from the cylindrical bore.

In another embodiment, the cylindrical bore defines an interior wall ofthe die guide, the interior wall having an interior diameter that isgreater than an inner diameter of the flange.

The die guide may be formed of any suitable material. In one embodiment,the die guide is formed of an engineered plastic, such as a polyetherether ketone (PEEK). Optionally, the die guide is formed of a polymer.For example, in some embodiments, the die guide is formed of apolyethylene, a polypropylene, or a nylon material. Alternatively, thedie guide is formed of a metal or a ceramic. Optionally, the die guideis formed of a bronze alloy. The die guide may also be formed of acarbide, including but not limited to a tungsten carbide.

In one embodiment, the flange is interconnected to the body of the dieguide. Alternatively, the flange can be integrally formed with the dieguide body.

In one embodiment, the flange is formed of a material that is differentthan a material of the die guide body. In another embodiment, the flangeis formed of a material that is the same as the material of the body ofthe die guide.

Optionally, the flange can be formed of a ceramic, a metal (such as abronze alloy), or a plastic (for example, a PEEK).

In another embodiment, the flange protrudes from one end of the body ofthe die guide. For example, the flange may protrude from the first end.

The Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as beingrepresentative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure.The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in theSummary as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Descriptionand no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intendedby either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc.in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present disclosure willbecome more clear from the Detailed Description, particularly when takentogether with the drawings.

The terms “metal” or “metallic” as used hereinto refer to any metallicmaterial that may be used to form a container, including withoutlimitation aluminum, steel, tin, copper, and any combination thereof.

Although generally referred to herein as a “container body” or a“metallic container,” it should be appreciated that the methods andapparatus described herein may be used to form a neck on a container ofany size, shape, or type, including without limitation a metallicbeverage bottle, a metallic beverage container or can, an aluminumbottle, a two-piece container, a two-piece can, or a can.

As used herein, a “container body” can be formed into a two-piece can ora metallic bottle.

The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or,” as used herein,are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive inoperation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, Band C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “oneor more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B andC together.

The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more ofthat entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “atleast one” can be used interchangeably herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities,dimensions, conditions, ratios, ranges, and so forth used in thespecification and claims are to be understood as being modified in allinstances by the term “about” or “approximately”. Accordingly, unlessotherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions,conditions, ratios, ranges, and so forth used in the specification andclaims may be increased or decreased by approximately 5% to achievesatisfactory results. Additionally, where the meaning of the terms“about” or “approximately” as used herein would not otherwise beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the terms “about” and“approximately” should be interpreted as meaning within plus or minus 5%of the stated value.

All ranges described herein may be reduced to any sub-range or portionof the range, or to any value within the range without deviating fromthe invention. For example, the range “5 to 55” includes, but is notlimited to, the sub-ranges “5 to 20” as well as “17 to 54.”

The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereofherein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,”“comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be usedinterchangeably herein.

It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall begiven its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C.,Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means”shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and allof the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or actsand the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in theSummary, Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description,Abstract, and Claims themselves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosedsystem and together with the general description of the disclosure givenabove and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve toexplain the principles of the disclosed system(s) and device(s).

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a prior artnecking apparatus prior to performing a necking operation on an upperend of a container body;

FIG. 2 is another partial cross-sectional elevation view of the neckingapparatus of FIG. 1 during the necking operation;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a tooling assembly for anecker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and with adie guide in a first clamping position relative to the tooling assembly;

FIG. 4 is an expanded cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of thetooling assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is another expanded cross-sectional elevation view of anotherportion of the tooling assembly of FIG. 3 and showing an upper flange ofthe die guide engaged to a shoulder of a container body;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the die guide of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional elevation view of the tooling assemblyof FIG. 3 showing the die guide in a second necking position in whichthe die guide is in a retracted position relative to the toolingassembly;

FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of a tooling assembly according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure and illustrating a dieguide in a first clamping position relative to the tooling assembly;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional front perspective view of the toolingassembly of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the toolingassembly of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is an upper perspective view of an outer guide of the toolingassembly of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9B is a top plan view of the outer guide of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the outer guidetaken along line C-C of FIG. 9B;

FIG. 9D is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the outerguide taken along line D-D of FIG. 9B;

FIG. 10A is a top front perspective view of a die guide of the toolingassembly of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the die guide of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a side elevation view of the die guide of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10D is a top plan view of the die guide of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the die guide takenalong line E-E of FIG. 10D;

FIG. 10F is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the die guidetaken along line F-F of FIG. 10D;

FIG. 10G is yet another cross-sectional side elevation view of the dieguide taken along line G-G of FIG. 10D;

FIG. 10H is an expanded cross-sectional view of a portion of the dieguide of FIG. 10G;

FIG. 10I is a bottom plan view of the die guide of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10J is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the die guide takenalong line J-J of FIG. 10I;

FIG. 10K is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the die guidetaken along line K-K of FIG. 10I;

FIG. 10L is yet another cross-sectional side elevation view of the dieguide taken along line L-L of FIG. 10I;

FIG. 11A is a bottom perspective view of a keeper of the toolingassembly of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 11B is a side elevation view of the keeper of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a bottom plan view of the keeper of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the toolingassembly of FIG. 8A and illustrating the die guide in a second neckingposition and retracted relative to the tooling assembly;

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional front perspective view of the toolingassembly with the die guide in the second necking position of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a container body of a two-piece canwith a neck formed by a necking apparatus of one embodiment of thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a metallic bottle with aneck formed by a necking apparatus of another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

The drawings are not necessarily (but may be) to scale. In certaininstances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of thedisclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may havebeen omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure isnot necessarily limited to the embodiments illustrated herein. As willbe appreciated, other embodiments are possible using, alone or incombination, one or more of the features set forth above or describedbelow. For example, it is contemplated that various features and devicesshown and/or described with respect to one embodiment may be combinedwith or substituted for features or devices of other embodimentsregardless of whether or not such a combination or substitution isspecifically shown or described herein.

The following is a listing of components according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure, and as shown in the drawings:

Number Component  2 Metallic container  3 Longitudinal axis of metalliccontainer  4 Container body  5 Sidewall  6 Exterior surface of containerbody  8 Exterior diameter of container body 10 Closed end (bottom) 11Dome 12 Shoulder 14 Neck 16 Neck exterior diameter 18 Open end (or freeend) of the container body 20 Necker (prior art) 22 Central axis 24Necking die 26 Free end of necking die 28 Cylindrical guide of neckingdie 30 Necking surface 32 Second cylindrical wall of necking die 34Knockout 40 Necker 42 Tooling assembly 44 Center axis 46 Housing 47Cylindrical body of housing 48 Interior cavity of housing 49 Shoulder 50Knockout shaft 51 Bore of knockout shaft 52 Locating diameter ofknockout shaft 54 Head of knockout shaft 55 Port of housing 56 Open endof housing 57 Hole of housing 58 Post 59 Shoulder of post 60 Biasingelement or spring 61 Head of post 62 Retention ring (for necking die) 63Aperture of retention ring 64 Spacer 65 Knockout spacer 66 Knockout 68Cylindrical sidewall of knockout 70 Guide surface of knockout 72 Maximumexterior diameter of guide surface 74 Minimum exterior diameter of guidesurface 76 End wall of knockout 77 Interior wall of retention ring 78Necking die 80 Inner end of necking die 82 Free end of necking die 84Transition surface or necking surface of the necking die 86 Maximuminterior diameter of transition surface 88 Minimum interior diameter oftransition surface 89 Interior diameter of interior wall of theretention ring 90 Cylindrical wall of necking die 92 Clearance betweennecking die and knockout 93 Clearance between transition surface andinterior wall of retention ring 94 Die guide 96 Body of die guide 98First end of die guide 99 Second end of die guide 100  Cylindrical boreof die guide 102  Interior wall of cylindrical bore 104  Interiordiameter of interior wall of the die guide 106  Flange of die guide 107 Inner wall of flange 108  Inner diameter of the die guide flange 109 Protrusion of die guide 110  Aperture of die guide  110A First portionof aperture (large diameter)  110B Second portion of aperture (smallerdiameter) 111  Exterior diameter of protrusion 112  Seat for biasingelement 113  Height of flange inner wall 114  Distance of die guide bodyfrom the retention ring in the first clamping position 116  Distance ofdie guide body from the retention ring in the second necking position118  Recess between the die guide and the container body exteriorsurface 120  First distance of die guide body from the necking die inthe first clamping position 122  Second distance of die guide body fromthe necking die in the second necking position 124  Exterior diameter ofbody 126  Protrusion height 128  Passage 130  Passage depth 132  Fluteor “channel” 134  Flute opening 136  Flute end 138  Flute height 140 Outer guide 142  Cylindrical body 144  Upper end 146  Dowel pin 148 Lower end 150  Outer diameter 152  Height 154  Central bore 156  Innerwall 158  Wall interior diameter 160  Ring 162  Hole 164  Ring interiordiameter 166  Fastener aperture 170  Keeper 172  Cylindrical exterior174  Central cutout 176  Interior diameter of the cutout 178  Aperture180  Projection 182  Interior diameter of projection 184  Fastener

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, a tooling assembly 42A of a necker 40Aaccording to one aspect of the present disclosure is generallyillustrated prior to performing a necking operation on a container body4. The necker 40A and the tooling assembly 42A can be oriented eitherhorizontally or vertically.

The tooling assembly 42A generally includes a housing 46 with a body 47and an interior cavity 48 concentrically aligned with a center axis 44.The interior cavity 48 has a shape which is generally cylindrical.

A knockout shaft 50 is engaged to the housing and extends within thecavity 48. The knockout shaft 50 may include an interior bore 51. Theinterior bore 51 of the knockout shaft may be configured to transmit acompressed gas to an interior of a container body 4.

A locating diameter 52 of the knockout shaft 50 aligns the knockoutshaft with the housing 46. More specifically, the locating diameter 52is configured to accurately align the knockout shaft substantiallyconcentrically within the housing 46. In one embodiment, the knockoutshaft 50 and its locating diameter 52 are substantially concentricallyor coaxially aligned with the center axis 44.

In one embodiment, a pressurized gas is directed through the interiorbore 51 of the knockout shaft 50 and into the container body 4 duringthe necking operation to enhance the rigidity of the metal sidewalls andtemporarily strengthen the container body. Additionally, oralternatively, a pressurized gas can optionally be used to separate orstrip the container body 4 from the tooling assembly 42A aftercompletion of the necking operation. For example, the housing 46optionally includes a port 55 to direct a pressurized gas into theinterior cavity 48 of the housing and into a metallic container 2engaged by the necker 40A. The port 55 may be connected to a source ofpressurized gas, such as a compressor or a pressure vessel. Thepressurized gas can be directed through the port 55 during a neckingoperation to increase the rigidity of the metallic container 2.Additionally, or alternatively, pressurized gas can be directed throughthe port 55 after completion of the necking operation to facilitateseparation of the metallic container 2 from the tooling assembly 42A. Inone embodiment, the pressurized gas is compressed air. In alternativeembodiments, the pressurized gas may be any suitable gas known in theart.

A knockout 66 is fixed within the cavity 48 of the housing 46 tofacilitate alignment of the container body 4 with a necking die 78. Morespecifically, the knockout 66 helps guide the open end 18 of thecontainer body 4 to engagement with the necking die 78.

In one embodiment, the knockout 66 is interconnected to the knockoutshaft 50, for example, by a head 54 of the knockout shaft 50.Optionally, a knockout spacer 65 engages the knockout 66. In oneembodiment, the knockout spacer 65 is positioned on the knockout shaft50. The knockout spacer 65 has a body that is generally cylindrical andhas a length selected to hold the knockout 66 in a predeterminedposition within the interior cavity 48 of the housing 46.

The knockout 66 is optionally mounted in such a manner that it isimmobile relative to the housing 46. Accordingly, in some embodiments,the knockout 66 does not move during operation of the necker 40A.Alternatively, the knockout 66 may be moveably retained within thehousing 46 by the knockout shaft 50.

In some embodiments, the knockout 66 may be integrally formed with theknockout shaft 50. In other embodiments, the knockout 66 may beselectively connected to the knockout shaft 50.

The knockout 66 has a cylindrical sidewall 68 with an exterior diameter72 that is less than an interior diameter of a neck 14 of the containerbody 4. In one embodiment, the cylindrical sidewall 68 is approximatelyparallel to the center axis 44.

Optionally, the knockout 66 has a guide surface 70 (best seen in FIG. 4)which extends between the cylindrical sidewall 68 and an end wall 76 ofthe knockout. In one embodiment, a cross-section of the guide surface 70has a curved or arcuate shape. Specifically, in one embodiment anexterior of the guide surface is convex. In other embodiments, thecross-section of the guide surface 70 is generally linear.Alternatively, the cylindrical sidewall 68 may extend to the end wall 76at an orthogonal intersection.

The exterior diameter of the guide surface 70 increases from the endwall 76 to an intersection of the guide surface 70 with the cylindricalsidewall 68. Accordingly, the guide surface 70 has a maximum exteriordiameter 72 defined by the cylindrical sidewall 68. The guide surface 70has a minimum exterior diameter 74 at a point proximate to the end wall76. In one embodiment, the guide surface 70 is generally convex incross-section. However, the guide surface 70 may have other shapes. Inone embodiment, the guide surface 70 has a cross-section that isapproximately linear.

A necking die 78 according to one embodiment of the present disclosureis retained within the housing cavity 48. The necking die can be securedto the housing 46 in any suitable manner known to those of skill in theart. In one embodiment, a retention ring 62 secures the necking die 78within the housing cavity 48.

The retention ring 62 can be secured to the housing 46 in any suitablemanner known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, a post 58is used to secure the retention ring 62 to the housing. The post 58 mayextend through an aperture 63 formed through the retention ring.Optionally, the post 58 has a shoulder 59 (shown in FIG. 4) with anincreased diameter to retain the retention ring 62.

The post 58 optionally extends from an open end 56 of the housing 46.For example, the post 58 can extend from the housing end 56approximately parallel to the center axis 44. In one embodiment, thepost 58 is a bolt or a screw with threads that engage threads of a hole57 formed in the housing 46.

The post 58 optionally includes a head 61 spaced from the housing.Optionally, a distance between the head 61 and the housing 46 may beadjusted by rotating the post. For example, rotating the post in a firstdirection will move the head 61 closer to the housing. Alternatively,rotating the post in a second direction will move the head 61 furtheraway from the housing 46. In this manner, a stroke length of the dieguide 94A can be adjusted. More specifically, for a metallic containerwith a long neck 14, the stroke length of the die guide 94A may beincreased by rotating the post in the second direction. Alternatively,for a metallic container with a short neck, the stroke length of the dieguide can be decreased by rotating the post in the first direction.

Optionally, the retention ring 62 prevents movement of the necking die78 relative to the housing 46. More specifically, in one embodiment, aninner end 80 of the necking die 78 engages a portion of the housing 46.For example, the inner end 80 may engage a projection or shoulder 49 ofthe housing 46 which projects inwardly into the interior cavity 48. Theretention ring 62 can then engage a free end 82 of the necking die.Accordingly, in one embodiment, the necking die 78 is substantiallyimmobily secured or interconnected to the housing 46 by the retentionring 62.

In some embodiments, the retention ring 62 is generally circular. Inalternative embodiments, the retention ring has an asymmetrical shape.

The retention ring 62 may have a central hole with an interior wall 77(best seen in FIG. 4). The interior wall 77 may be orientedapproximately perpendicular to an end of the retention ring 62.Alternatively, the interior wall 77 may be oriented at an oblique anglewith respect to the retention ring end. In one embodiment, the interiorwall has a curved or an arcuate cross-section as generally shown in FIG.4. In one embodiment, the interior wall 77 is generally convex incross-section.

The interior wall 77 has an interior diameter 89. In one embodiment,when the interior wall 77 is approximately perpendicular to the end ofthe retention ring, the interior diameter is approximately constant.

Alternatively, the interior diameter 89 of the interior wall 77 varies.For example, in one embodiment the interior diameter 89 increases from aminimum interior diameter 89 at a first end of the retention ring(illustrated in FIG. 4) to a maximum interior diameter at a second endof the retention ring.

Optionally, the inner end 80 of the necking die 78 may engage a spacer64 within the housing cavity 48. In one embodiment, one or more spacers64A-64E are positioned within the interior cavity 48 of the housing 46.The spacers 64 may be of different sizes and shapes. For example, insome embodiments, a first spacer 64A has a first height that is lessthan a second height of a second spacer 64B. Moreover, a fifth spacer64E has a diameter that is less than the diameters of spacers 64A-64D.

One or more of the spacers 64 can include a hollow interior. Optionally,an interior diameter of the spacers 64 is greater than the exteriordiameter of the knockout 66. In one embodiment, the interior diameter ofa spacer 64 is greater than an interior diameter 86 of a cylindricalwall 90 of the necking die 78.

Any number of spacers 64 can be positioned within the housing to arrangethe necking die 78 in a predetermined position of the interior cavity48. For example, the number and sizes of the spacers 64 can be alteredto move the necking die 78 closer to (or away from) the retention ring62. Optionally, a spacer 64 can be positioned between the free end 82 ofthe necking die 78 and the retention ring 62. It will be understood byone of skill in the art that in some embodiments the spacer 64 is notused, for example based on the size or shape of the metallic container2.

The necking die 78 generally includes the free end 82 opposite to theinner end 80, a transition surface 84, and a hollow interior thatdefines a cylindrical wall 90. The cylindrical wall 90 is approximatelyparallel to the center axis 44.

Notably, compared to the prior art necking die 24 described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-2, the necking die 78 of the present disclosuredoes not include a cylindrical guide 28. For example, the free end 82 ofthe necking die 78 is proximate to the transition surface 84. Morespecifically, in one embodiment, the transition surface 84 of thenecking die 78 begins at the free end 82. In one embodiment, the freeend 82 is approximately planar. Optionally, the free end 82 defines aplane that is oriented approximately perpendicular to the center axis44.

The transition surface 84 is adapted to reduce the diameter of the openend 18 of the container body by a predetermined amount. The transitionsurface 84 has an interior diameter that varies from a maximum interiordiameter 86 proximate to the free end 82 and decreases to a minimuminterior diameter 88 proximate to the cylindrical wall 90. The minimuminterior diameter 88 of the transition surface 84 is equal to thediameter of the cylindrical wall 90 of the necking die. Moreover, theminimum interior diameter 88 of the necking die transition surface 84 isgreater than the maximum exterior diameter 72 of the knockout guidesurface 70 to define a clearance 92 (best seen in FIG. 4) between thecylindrical sidewall 68 of the knockout 66 and the necking diecylindrical wall 90. The clearance 92 is greater than or equal to athickness of the material of the metallic container 2. In oneembodiment, the clearance 92 is slightly greater than a thickness of thematerial of the metallic container 2. Optionally, the clearance 92 has awidth of between approximately 0.003 inch and approximately 0.02 inch.

In one embodiment, the transition surface 84 has a cross-sectional shapethat is curved or arcuate. Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of anexterior of the transition surface 84 is convex. Other shapes for thetransition surface 84 are contemplated.

The transition surface 84 is adapted to form a shoulder 12 in thecontainer body 4 during a necking operation. More specifically, themaximum interior diameter 86 of the transition surface is greater thanan exterior diameter 16 of a neck 14 of the container body 4, and theminimum interior diameter 88 is less than the neck exterior diameter 16.Accordingly, during the necking operation, the open end 18 of thecontainer neck 14 contacts the transition surface 84. The transitionsurface 84 then directs the open end 18 inwardly toward the center axis44 to form (or reform) the shoulder 12. The cylindrical wall 90 of thenecking die 78 and the cylindrical sidewall 68 of the knockout 66 thenguide the open end 18 back approximately parallel to the center axis 44to reduce the diameter of the neck 14.

The diameter of the cylindrical wall 90 of the necking die 78 isapproximately equal to an external diameter of the neck 14 that will beformed during the necking operation. However, the diameter of thecylindrical wall 90 can be increased or decreased as necessary toaccount for springback of the metal material of the container neck 14which occurs after the necking operation as will be appreciated by oneof skill in the art.

A die guide 94A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure isinterconnected to an end 56 of the housing. The die guide is retained ina spaced relationship to the housing end 56 and to the necking die 78.The die guide 94A is configured to engage a shoulder 12 of the containerbody 4 and align the container body 4 with the knockout 66 and thenecking die 78 of the necker 40A of the present disclosure. Morespecifically, the die guide 94A aligns the open end 18 of the containerbody 4 with the forming profile (for example, the transition surface 84)of the necking die 78.

The die guide 94A is moveably interconnected to the housing 46.Specifically, the die guide 94A is moveable from a first clampingposition (shown in FIG. 3) to a second necking position (which isgenerally illustrated in FIG. 7).

In one embodiment, in the first clamping position, a first end 98 of thedie guide 94A is separated from the retention ring 62 by a predetermineddistance 114. The distance 114 may be up to approximately 1 inch.Optionally, the distance 114 is between approximately 0.05 inch andapproximately 0.85 inch. In one embodiment, the distance is less thanabout 0.82 inch. Additionally, or alternatively, the die guide 94A canmove between approximately 0.5 inch and 0.9 inch, or about 0.76 inch,from the first clamping position to the second necking position.

The first clamping position of the die guide 94A is associated withinitiation of the necking operation. In the first clamping position, thedie guide 94A contacts the container shoulder 12 before the necking die78 contacts the open end 18 of the container body.

In both the first clamping position and the second necking position thedie guide 94A is spaced from the necking die 78 by the retention ring62. More specifically, in the first clamping position, the first end 98of the die guide 94A is spaced from the free end 82 of the necking die78 by a first distance 120. In one embodiment, the first distance isequal to the distance 114 plus the thickness of the retention ring 62.The first distance 120 is greater than a second distance 122 between thedie guide 94A and the necking die 78 when in the second necking position(generally illustrated in FIG. 7).

The die guide 94A can be interconnected to the housing 46 in anysuitable manner known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment,the die guide 94A is secured to the housing 46 by the post 58. Forexample, the post 58 can include a head 61 that engages a second end 99of the die guide 94A.

A biasing element 60 can optionally be positioned between the retentionring 62 and the die guide 94A. In this manner, the die guide 94A remainsspaced from the housing end 56 and the necking die 78 by the retentionring.

In one embodiment, the biasing element 60 is a helical spring, such as acompression spring, although any suitable biasing element can be usedwith the necker 40A of the present disclosure. Optionally, the biasingelement 60 is positioned on the post 58. In one embodiment, the biasingelement 60 biases (or urges) the die guide 94A into the first clampingposition.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, the die guide 94A generally has a body 96with a cylindrical bore 100 and a flange 106. The cylindrical bore 100is coaxially aligned with the center axis 44 and has an interior wall102 that is approximately parallel to the center axis 44. In oneembodiment, the interior wall 102 has an interior diameter 104 that issubstantially constant. The wall interior diameter 104 is greater thanan exterior diameter 8 of the container body 4. Accordingly, theinterior wall 102 is spaced from the exterior surface 6 of the containerbody 4 by a recess 118 (generally illustrated in FIG. 5) with apredetermined width. In one embodiment, the width of the recess isbetween approximately 0.004 inch and approximately 0.02 inch. In oneembodiment, the width of the recess is approximately 0.006 inch.

The flange 106 of the die guide 94A extends from the body 96 into thecylindrical bore 100. In one embodiment, the flange extends from thefirst end 98 of the body 96. Optionally, the flange 106 extendscontinuously around the cylindrical bore 100. Alternatively, the flange106 comprises a plurality of individual flanges that project into thecylindrical bore 100.

In one embodiment, the first end 98 of the die guide has a protrusion109. The protrusion extends away from the first end 98 in a directiongenerally parallel to the center axis 44. In some embodiments, theflange 106 extends inwardly from the protrusion and into the cylindricalbore 100.

The protrusion 109 has an exterior diameter 111. In one embodiment, theinterior diameter 89 of the retention ring interior wall 77 is greaterthan the protrusion exterior diameter 111. In this manner, when the dieguide 94A is in the second necking position, the protrusion 109 can fitinto the clearance 93 (illustrated in FIG. 4) between the transitionsurface 84 of the necking die and the interior wall 77 of the retentionring.

An inner diameter 108 of the flange 106 is less than the interiordiameter 104 of the interior wall 102 and less than the exteriordiameter 8 of the container body 4. In this manner, the flange 106 willengage a shoulder 12 of the container body 4 while the interior wall 102of the die guide 94A remains spaced from the exterior surface 6 of thecontainer body 4 by the recess 118. The minimum interior diameter 88 ofthe transition surface 84 of the necking die 78 is less than the innerdiameter 108 of the flange 106.

The inner diameter 108 of the flange 106 is greater than the exteriordiameter 16 of the container neck 14. Accordingly, the container neck 14and the open end 18 of the container body 4 will pass through thecylindrical bore 100 of the die guide 94A without contacting the flange106.

In one embodiment, the flange 106 is integrally formed with the dieguide 94A. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the flange 106 is formed ofthe same material as the die guide 94A.

Alternatively, the flange 106 is formed separately from the die guide94A. In one embodiment, the flange 106 is joined to the die guide 94A.Optionally, the flange 106 can be removably fixed to the die guide 94A.For example, the flange may be joined to the die guide by a mechanicalfastener 184 (such as a screw or bolt), by welding, by a friction fit,by a threaded engagement, or by any other suitable method known to thoseof skill in the art.

Additionally, or alternatively, in one embodiment, the flange 106 isformed of a different material than the die guide. For example, in oneembodiment, the flange is formed of a nylon, a plastic or a rubber.Optionally, the flange can be formed of a polymetric material.Alternatively, the flange can be formed of a metal or a ceramic. Theflange may be formed of a plastic, such as PEEK. Alternatively, theflange is formed of a bronze alloy.

In one embodiment, the die guide 94A is formed of a first material andthe flange 106 is formed of a second material. Optionally, the die guide94A is formed of a metal.

The flange 106 has an inner wall 107 (generally illustrated in FIG. 5)configured to contact the container shoulder 12. The inner wall 107 hasa predetermined height 113 that generally extends approximately parallelto the center axis 44. Optionally, the height is between approximately0.01 inches and approximately 0.5 inches. The inner wall 107 may haveany predetermined shape. In one embodiment, the inner wall 107 isconcave.

In one embodiment, the inner wall 107 of the flange 106 is the onlyportion of the die guide 94A that will contact the container body duringa necking operation performed by the tooling assembly 42A. Accordingly,the die guide 94A of the present disclosure does not slide along (or rubagainst) the container body (such as the exterior surface 6) duringoperation of the necker 40A.

The die guide 94A reduces or eliminates the generation of frictioncompared to prior art neckers. Further, the die guide eliminates thebuildup of metal particles and the detrimental effects the metalparticles cause in prior art neckers. Additionally, in the embodimentsin which the flange 106 is removably fixed to the die guide 94A,longevity is further increased as the flange 106 may be replaced once ithas worn.

The die guide 94A improves alignment of the container body 4 with thenecking die 78 to improve aesthetics of the container body 4 by reducingwrinkles and by eliminating non-conical and irregular shapes of thecontainer neck 14. Specifically, the die guide 94A of embodiments of thepresent disclosure forms container necks 14 that or more accuratelyaligned (i.e., substantially coaxially aligned) with a longitudinal axis44 of the metallic container 2 than prior art neckers 20. In addition,the die guide 94A can help guide “thin” walled (or “lightweight”)metallic container bodies into the necking die 78 which reducesspoilage. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, lightweightmetallic container bodies reduce the amount of material and the cost ofmetallic containers.

In one embodiment, an aperture 110 is formed through the body 96 of thedie guide. The aperture 110 is adapted to receive the post 58 extendingfrom the housing 46. Optionally, a seat 112 is formed in the aperture110 to engage the biasing element 60. For example, the aperture 110 mayinclude a first portion 110A with a first diameter and a second portion110B with a second diameter that is less than the first diameter.

In one embodiment, the die guide 94A can be used for all neckingoperations required to form a neck 14 with a desired diameter. Morespecifically, the flange 106 of the die guide 94A can have an inner wall107 with an inner diameter 108 and a height 113 selected to engage ashoulder 12 formed on a metallic container 2 in a first neckingoperation. Thereafter, the flange 106 can engage the shoulder 12regardless of how many necking operations are performed to reduce theexterior diameter 16 of the container neck 14. This is beneficialbecause a single die guide 94A can be used in different neckers 40Awithout changing the geometry or dimensions of the flange 106. Morespecifically, two die guides 94A with the same geometry and dimensionsmay be used in two different neckers 40A that perform necking operationsthat form necks 14 of different dimensions on container bodies. However,as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, in one embodiment ofthe present disclosure, a different necking die 78 will be used for eachnecking operation.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the flexibility ofusing a die guide 94A of a single design will decrease the cost of spareparts required for a metallic container production line which may have14 different neckers to form a neck on a two-piece can or 30 or moredifferent neckers to form a neck on a metallic bottle. The use of asingle design of the die guide 94A may also decrease the time requiredto service or replace the die guide because maintenance personnel willnot need to obtain different die guides for different neckers. This willalso eliminate the possibility of installing an improper die guide on anecker.

Alternatively, the dimensions or geometry of the die guide 94A of thepresent disclosure may be altered for different necking operations. Forexample, in one embodiment a flange 106 of a first die guide 94A used ina first necking operation has a first inner diameter 108. A second dieguide 94A used in a subsequent second necking operation has a secondinner diameter that is greater than the first inner diameter.

In one embodiment, the height 113 of the inner wall is based on a stageof a necking operation performed by the necker 40A. For example, a firstdie guide 94A associated with a second stage necker 40A may have aflange inner wall 107 with a first height 113. A second die guideinterconnected to a third stage necker 40A can have a flange inner wall107 with a second height 113 that is greater than the first height. Thisis because after each necking operation, the height of the shoulder willincrease. Accordingly, the height 113 of the flange inner wall 107 maybe larger to provide more engagement with the container shoulder 12. Inone embodiment, the height 113 of the flange inner wall 107 increasessuccessively from a first height for a first die guide 94A used in asecond stage necker to a final height for a final stage necker, thefinal height being greater than the first height. As previouslydiscussed, some container production lines include from 2 to 14 neckers.Metallic bottles typically require more necking operations and ametallic bottle production line may include 30 or more neckers.Accordingly, in some embodiments, thirty or more different die guides94A according to the present disclosure may be formed which each haveflanges 106 with an inner wall 107 having a height 113 adapted to engagea shoulder of a metallic container during one stage of thirty or moredifferent necking operations.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the container body 4 is generally illustratedengaged with the necker 40A during a necking operation. In oneembodiment, the tooling assembly 42A moves along the center axis 44toward the container body 4. The container body 4 can be held immobilerelative to the center axis. Alternatively, the container body 4 can bemoved toward the tooling assembly along the center axis 44. In anotherembodiment, both the tooling assembly 42A and the container body 4 canmove toward each other along the center axis 44. Regardless, as thecontainer body 4 is engaged with the tooling assembly 42A, the flange106 of the die guide 94A engages the shoulder 12 of the container body(as generally illustrated in FIG. 5). Thereafter, as one or more of thetooling assembly 42A and the container body 4 move toward each otheralong the center axis 44, the die guide 94A moves from the firstclamping position generally shown in FIG. 3 to the second neckingposition as generally illustrated in FIG. 7.

The open end 18 of the container body 4 passes through the cylindricalbore 100 and past the first end 98 of the die guide 94A toward thenecking die 78. The open end 18 then contacts the transition surface 84of the necking die 78. As described previously, the transition surface84 directs the open end 18 inwardly toward the center axis 44 to reducethe diameter of the open end and extend the shoulder 12 inwardly. Thecontainer open end 18 then contacts the cylindrical sidewall 68 of theknockout 66 which directs the open end 18 substantially parallel to theexterior surface 6 of the container body and the center axis 44 to formthe neck 14 with a reduced diameter. In one embodiment, in the secondnecking position, the first end 98 of the die guide 94A is separatedfrom the retention ring 62 by a distance 116 of at least approximately0.03 inch. Optionally, the distance 116 is between approximately 0.03inch and approximately 0.07 inch. In one embodiment, the distance isless than about 0.057 inch. Notably, in the second necking position, thefirst end 98 of the die guide 94A remains separated from the free end 82of the necking die 78 by a predetermined second distance 122.

After the necking operation is complete, such as when the die guidereaches the second necking position, one or more of the tooling assembly42A and the container body 4 move away from each other along the centeraxis 44. The container body 4 is subsequently removed from the toolingassembly 42A. Thereafter, another container body is positioned in thetooling assembly 42A to be necked.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-12, another embodiment of a necker 40B of thepresent disclosure is generally illustrated. The necker 40B includes atooling assembly 42B, a housing 46 with a body 47, a knockout 66, and anecking die 78 that are the same as or similar to those of the necker40A described in conjunction with FIGS. 3-7. Notably, the necker 40Bincludes an outer guide 140, a die guide 94B of another embodiment ofthe present disclosure, and a keeper 170. The necker 40B provides manybenefits over prior art neckers. For example, the outer guide 140 has aninner wall 156 that orients and guides a body 96B of the die guide 94B.Moreover, the die guide body 96B has a plurality of channels or flutes132 with an upper end 136 that defines a stop. By positioning aprojection 180 of the keeper 170 in a flute 132 of a desired height 138,a stroke of the die guide 94B of a predetermined length can be selected.To change the stroke length, the keeper 170 can be removed and thenrotated clockwise or counter-clockwise relative to the die guide body96B to position the projection 180 in a different flute with a secondlength.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9D, the outer guide 140 is generallyillustrated. The outer guide replaces the retention ring 62 and retainsthe necking die 78 in the housing 46. The outer guide 140 generallycomprises a cylindrical body 142 with an upper end 144, a lower end 148,and a central bore 154.

The body has an outer diameter 150 and a predetermined height 152.Optionally, the height 152 is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.6inches. However, the height and other dimensions of the outer guide 140may be altered in other embodiments to accommodate neckers for metalliccontainers 2 of any diameter and height.

In one embodiment, a dowel pin 146 extends from the upper end 144. Thedowel pin 146 is oriented approximately parallel to the longitudinalaxis 44. Optionally, the dowl pin is positioned in an aperture extendinginto the cylindrical body 142. The dowel pin 146 is positioned to fitinto a hole formed in the open end 56 of the housing to orient the outerguide 140 with respect to the housing 46. In one embodiment, the outerguide 140 includes two dowel pins 146. However, the outer guide 140 mayhave any number of apertures to receive dowel pins.

A fastener aperture 166 extends through the body from the first end tothe second end. The fastener aperture 166 is oriented approximatelyparallel to the longitudinal axis 44. Optionally, the outer guide 140has from two to six fastener apertures. In one embodiment, there arefour fastener apertures 166 substantially evenly spaced around thecylindrical body 142.

The central bore 154 has an inner wall 156 with a predetermined interiordiameter 158. In one embodiment, the interior diameter 158 is betweenabout 3.19 inches and about 3.23 inches, or about 3.21 inches.

A ring 160 extends into the central bore 154 proximate to the upper end144. The ring 160 is configured to engage the necking die 78 in a mannersimilar to the retention ring 62 of the necker 40A described inconjunction with FIG. 3. The ring 160 has an interior diameter 164 thatis greater than the maximum interior diameter 86 of the transitionsurface of the necking die 78 (as illustrated in FIG. 4). In oneembodiment, the ring interior diameter 164 is between about 2.76 inchesand about 2.86 inches, or about 2.81 inches.

A hole 162 is formed through the ring to retain a biasing element 60A,such as a spring. The hole 162 is oriented approximately parallel to thelongitudinal axis 44. In one embodiment, the outer guide 140 has fromtwo to fourteen of the holes 162. Optionally, the outer guide may havetwelve holes 162.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10L, the die guide 94B is generallyillustrated. Die guide 94B is similar to the die guide 94A described inconjunction with FIGS. 3-7 and has many of the same, or similar,features, and dimensions and operates in a similar manner. The die guide94B is retained in a spaced relationship to the housing end 56 and tothe necking die 78 by the outer guide 140 and the keeper 170.

The die guide 94B has a flange 106 configured to engage a shoulder 12 ofa container body 4 and align the container body 4 with the knockout 66and the necking die 78 of the necker 40B. The die guide 94B is moveablyinterconnected to the housing 46 and moves from a first clampingposition to a second necking position during operation of the necker 40Bsimilar to the die guide 94A. In this way, the die guide 94B aligns theopen end 18 of the container body 4 with the forming profile (forexample, the transition surface 84) of the necking die 78.

The die guide 94B generally has a body 96B with a cylindrical bore 100and a flange 106. The body 96B has an exterior diameter 124 that is lessthan the interior diameter 158 of the central bore 154 of the outerguide 140. Accordingly, the body 96B can fit in, and move relative to,the outer guide as generally illustrated by comparing FIGS. 8A-8C withFIGS. 12A, 12B.

The cylindrical bore 100 is coaxially aligned with the center axis 44and has an interior wall 102 that is approximately parallel to thecenter axis 44. In one embodiment, the interior wall 102 has an interiordiameter 104 that is substantially constant. The wall interior diameter104 is greater than an exterior diameter 8 of the container body 4.Accordingly, the interior wall 102 is spaced from the exterior surface 6of the container body 4 by a recess 118 (such as generally illustratedin FIG. 5) with a predetermined width. In one embodiment, the interiordiameter 104 is between about 2.56 inches and about 2.66 inches, orabout or 2.61 inches. However, one of skill in the art will appreciatethat the die guide 94B may be formed with any appropriate size to workwith metallic containers 2 of any size. Accordingly, in otherembodiments, the interior diameter and other dimensions of the die guide94B may be greater or less than those described herein. In oneembodiment, the first end 98 of the die guide has a protrusion 109 (bestseen in FIG. 10H). The protrusion extends away from the first end 98 ina direction generally parallel to the center axis 44. In someembodiments, the flange 106 extends inwardly from the protrusion andinto the cylindrical bore 100.

The protrusion 109 has an exterior diameter 111 of between about 2.77inches and about 2.83 inches, or about 2.80 inches. In one embodiment,the ring interior diameter 164 of the outer guide 140 is greater thanthe protrusion exterior diameter 111. In this manner, when the die guide94B is in the second necking position, the protrusion 109 can fit intothe interior of the ring 160 as generally illustrated in FIG. 12A.

The protrusion 109 may have any desired height 126. In one embodiment,the height 126 is determined based on the size of the metallic container2 the necker 40 is configured to receive. Additionally, oralternatively, the height 126 may be related to a necking stageperformed by the necker. In one embodiment, the height is between about0.09 inches and about 0.15 inches or about 0.12 inches. However, otherheights 126 are contemplated for the protrusion 109.

A passage 128 extends into the first end 98 of the body 96B. The passage128 is alignable with the hole 162 in the outer guide ring 160 and has aclosed end. A biasing element 60A may be positioned with a first end inthe hole 162 and a second end within the passage 128 as generallyillustrated in FIG. 8B. In this manner, the biasing element 60A canapply a force to the body 96B and urge the die guide 94B to the firstclamping position spaced from the open end 56 of the housing.

The body 96B may include any number of the passages 128. In oneembodiment, the body 96B has from two to fourteen, or twelve, of thepassages 128. The passages 128 have a predetermined depth 130.

Optionally, one or more of the passages 128 have different depths 130.For example, and referring now to FIGS. 10D-10G, a passage 128A may havea first depth 130A. Another passage 128B can optionally have a seconddepth 130B that is less than the first depth 130A. Additionally, oralternatively, a passage 128C may have a third depth 130C less thesecond depth 130C. In this manner, a biasing element 60A can becompressed between the outer guide 140 and the die guide 94B by apredetermined amount by positioning a second end of the biasing elementin one of the passages 128A, 128B, or 128C.

In one embodiment, the die guide 94B includes two pairs of each of thepassages 128A, 128B, 128C. The first depth 130A is optionally betweenabout 0.66 inches and about 0.69 inches, or about 0.675 inches. Thesecond depth 130B may be between about 0.535 inches and about 0.565inches, or about 0.550 inches. Similarly, the third depth 130C isoptionally between about 0.285 inches and about 0.315 inches, or about0.300 inches. However, other depths 130 of the passages 128 arecontemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 10H, the flange 106 of the die guide 94B extendsfrom the body 96B into the cylindrical bore 100. In one embodiment, theflange extends from the first end 98 of the body 96B. Optionally, theflange 106 extends continuously around the cylindrical bore 100.Alternatively, the flange 106 comprises a plurality of individualflanges that project into the cylindrical bore 100.

An inner diameter 108 of the flange 106 (illustrated in FIG. 10G) isless than the interior diameter 104 of the interior wall 102 and lessthan the exterior diameter 8 of the container body 4. In this manner,the flange 106 will engage a shoulder 12 of the container body 4 whilethe interior wall 102 of the die guide 94B remains spaced from theexterior surface 6 of the container body 4. The minimum interiordiameter 88 of the transition surface 84 of the necking die 78(illustrated in FIG. 4) is less than the inner diameter 108 of theflange 106.

The inner diameter 108 of the flange 106 is greater than the exteriordiameter 16 of the container neck 14. Accordingly, the container neck 14and the open end 18 of the container body 4 will pass through thecylindrical bore 100 of the die guide 94B without contacting the flange106.

In one embodiment, the flange 106 is integrally formed with the dieguide 94B. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the flange 106 is formed ofthe same material as the die guide 94B.

Alternatively, the flange 106 is formed separately from the die guide94B. In one embodiment, the flange 106 is joined to the die guide 94B.Optionally, the flange 106 can be removably fixed to the die guide 94B.For example, the flange may be joined to the die guide by a mechanicalfastener (such as a screw or bolt), by welding, by a friction fit, asnap fit, by a threaded engagement, or by any other suitable methodknown to those of skill in the art.

Additionally, or alternatively, in one embodiment, the flange 106 isformed of a different material than the die guide. For example, in oneembodiment, the flange is formed of a nylon, a plastic or a rubber.Optionally, the flange can be formed of a polymetric material.Alternatively, the flange can be formed of a metal or a ceramic. Theflange may be formed of a plastic, such as PEEK. Alternatively, theflange is formed of a bronze alloy.

In one embodiment, the die guide 94B is formed of a first material andthe flange 106 is formed of a second material. Optionally, the die guide94B is formed of a metal.

The flange 106 has an inner wall 107 (generally illustrated in FIG. 10H)configured to contact the container shoulder 12. The inner wall 107 hasa predetermined height 113 that generally extends approximately parallelto the center axis 44. Optionally, the height is between approximately0.01 inches and approximately 0.5 inches. In one embodiment, the height113 is about 0.09 inches.

In one embodiment, the inner wall 107 of the flange 106 is the onlyportion of the die guide 94B that will contact the container body duringa necking operation performed by the tooling assembly 42B. Accordingly,the die guide 94B of the present disclosure does not slide along (or rubagainst) the container body (such as the exterior surface 6) duringoperation of the necker 40B.

Referring now to FIGS. 10I-10L, the die guide 94B includes a flute 132that extends into an exterior surface of the body 96B. The flute 132extends from the second end 99 in a direction toward the first end 98.However, the flute 132 does not extend to the first end. The flute 132is oriented approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 44 and has apredetermined height 138 between a flute opening 134 and flute end 136.The flute end 136 defines a stop which prevents movement of the dieguide 94B away from the housing 46 and out of the central bore 154 ofthe outer guide 140 when the flute end 136 is engaged by a projection180 of the keeper 170 as shown in FIGS. 8B-8C. Accordingly, the height138 of the flute 132 defines a length of a stroke of the die guide.

As shown in FIG. 10I, the flute 132 may have a curved cross-sectionalshape that is generally concave. For example, the cross section of theflute 132 may have a radius of curvature of about 0.26 inches.

The die guide 94B may have any number of flutes 132. In one embodiment,the body 96B has from two to fourteen of the flutes 132. Optionally, thebody 96B has twelve flutes. The flutes are offset from the passages 128.More specifically, in one embodiment and as generally illustrated inFIG. 10A, each passage 128 may be formed between two adjacent flutes.

The flutes 132 have a predetermined height 138. Optionally, one or moreof the flutes 132 have different heights 138. For example, and referringnow to FIGS. 10J-10L, a flute 132A may have a first height 138A. Anotherflute 132B can optionally have a second height 138B that is less thanthe first height 138A. Additionally, or alternatively, a flute 132C mayhave a third height 138C that is less the second height 138C. In thismanner, a length of a stroke of the die guide 94B can be altered byadjusting the keeper 170 with a flute 132 as generally described herein.

In one embodiment, the die guide 94B includes two pairs of each of theflutes 132A, 132B, 132C. The first height 138A is optionally betweenabout 0.95 inches and about 1.25 inches, or about 1.10 inches. Thesecond height 138B may be between about 0.70 inches and about 1.00 inch,or about 0.850 inches. Similarly, the third height 138C is optionallybetween about 0.45 inches and about 0.75 inches, or about 0.60 inches.However, other heights 138 of the flutes are contemplated to work withcontainer bodies that require a greater or lesser stroke length during anecking operation.

The die guide may be formed of any suitable material. In one embodiment,the die guide 94B is formed of a first material and the outer guide 140is formed of a second material. In one embodiment, the first and secondmaterials are the same. Alternatively, the second material is differentfrom the first material.

Optionally, the die guide 94B is formed of a metal (including, but notlimited to, a bronze alloy or a carbide, such as a tungsten carbide) apolymer, or a plastic (such as a PEEK) and the outer guide 140 is formedof a ceramic. Alternatively, the die guide 94B is formed of a ceramicand the outer guide 140 is formed of a metal, a polymer, or a plastic.Other suitable materials known to those of skill in the art may be usedto form the die guide and the outer guide of embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11C a keeper 170 of an embodiment of thepresent disclosure is generally illustrated. The keeper 170 has anexterior 172 that is generally cylindrical and a central cutout 174. Thecutout has an interior diameter 176 that is greater than the exteriordiameter 124 of the die guide body 96B. Accordingly, the body of the dieguide 94B may move through the central cutout 174 as generallyillustrated in FIGS. 12A-12B.

An aperture 178 extends through the keeper between the exterior 172 andthe central cutout 174. The aperture 178 is adapted to align with thefastener aperture 166 of the outer guide 140. Accordingly, the outerguide and the keeper can be interconnected by a fastener, such as ascrew or a bolt, that extends through apertures 166, 178 and into thehousing 46.

A projection 180 extends into the central cutout 174. The keeper 170optionally includes two to six projections 180 that are substantiallyevenly spaced apart. In one embodiment, the keeper has four projections180. The projections 180 have a shape that generally corresponds to ashape of the flutes 132. More specifically, the projections are adaptedto fit into the flutes 132 as generally illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 12B.In one embodiment, the projection 180 is convex and has a radius ofcurvature of about 0.25 inches.

An interior diameter 176 between two opposing projections is less thanthe exterior diameter of the die guide 94B at a flute end 136.Accordingly, the die guide 94B can move between the first clampingposition and the second necking position through the central cutout 174of the keeper. However, the keeper 170 and its projection 180 prohibitmovement of the die guide 94B away from the housing 46 and its neckingdie 78 by a predetermined amount based on which of the flutes 132A,132B, or 132C the projection is positioned within.

To increase the stroke length of the die guide 94B relative to thehousing 46, the keeper 170 can be removed from the outer guide 140 androtated axially (clockwise or counterclockwise) such that the projection180 is positioned within a flute 132 of a desired height 138. Forexample, for a stroke of a first length or amount, the projection 180may be positioned in flute 132A. If a shorter stroke length is desired,the projection 180 is positioned in flute 132B. Finally, the projection180 may be positioned in flute 132C to provide a stroke with a lengththat is less than the stroke length possible using flute 132B.

In operation, the necker 40B performs similar to the necker 40A. Morespecifically, and referring again to FIGS. 8C and 12A, the flange 106 ofthe die guide 94B engages the shoulder 12 of the container body. Thenone or more of the tooling assembly 42B and the container body 4 movetoward each other along the center axis 44 and the die guide 94B movesfrom the first clamping position shown in FIGS. 8A-8C to a secondnecking position shown in FIGS. 12A-12B. The open end 18 of thecontainer body 4 passes through the cylindrical bore 100 and past thefirst end 98 of the die guide 94B toward the necking die 78. The openend 18 then contacts the transition surface 84 of the necking die 78. Asdescribed previously, the transition surface 84 directs the open end 18inwardly toward the center axis 44 to reduce the diameter of the openend and extend the shoulder 12 inwardly. The container open end 18 thencontacts the cylindrical sidewall 68 of the knockout 66 which directsthe open end 18 substantially parallel to the exterior surface 6 of thecontainer body and the center axis 44 to form the neck 14 with a reduceddiameter.

After the necking operation is complete, such as when the die guide 94Breaches the second necking position, one or more of the tooling assembly42B and the container body 4 move away from each other along the centeraxis 44. The container body 4 is subsequently removed from the toolingassembly 42B. Thereafter, another container body is positioned in thetooling assembly 42B to be necked.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a container body 4 for a two-piece can 2 isgenerally illustrated. The container body 4 includes a closed end 10with an optional dome 11, a sidewall 5 with a cylindrical exteriorsurface 6 extending upwardly from the closed end, a shoulder 12extending upwardly from the sidewall, a neck 14 with a reduced diameter,and an open end 18 opposite to the closed end. The shoulder 12 and neck14 of the container body 4 have been formed by a necking apparatus 40with a necking die 78 and die guide 94 of embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Other shapes and geometries for the shoulder 12 and neck 14are contemplated and can be formed by the necking apparatus 40A or 40B.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a container body 4 for a metallic bottle 2 isillustrated. The bottle body 4 includes a closed end 10 with an inwardlyoriented dome 11, a sidewall 5 with a cylindrical exterior surface 6extending upwardly from the closed end, a shoulder 12 extending upwardlyfrom the sidewall, a neck 14 extending upwardly from the shoulder andhaving a reduced diameter, and an open end 18 opposite to the closedend. Threads may subsequently be formed on the neck 14. The shoulder 12and neck 14 of the container body 4 have been formed by a plurality ofnecking apparatus 40 with necking dies 78 and die guides 94 ofembodiments of the present disclosure. Other shapes and geometries ofthe shoulder 12 and neck 14 can be formed for the bottle body 4 by thenecking apparatus 40 of the present disclosure.

While various embodiments of the system have been described in detail,it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodimentswill occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understoodthat such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spiritof the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein aremeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof,as well as, additional items.

To provide additional background, context, and to further satisfy thewritten description requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112, the followingreferences are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties:U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,403,493; 4,693,108; 4,732,027; 4,774,839; 5,138,858;5,297,414; 5,448,903; 5,469,729; 5,497,900; 5,713,235; 5,737,958;5,778,723; 6,032,502; 6,094,961; 6,167,743; 6,343,496; 6,484,550;7,140,223; 7,418,852; 7,530,445; 8,601,843; 8,807,325; 9,290,329; U.S.Pat. Pub. 2004/0099036; U.S. Pat. Pub. 2008/0295558; U.S. Pat. Pub.2014/0061212; U.S. Pat. Pub. 2016/0214164; U.S. Pat. Pub. 2018/0207705;U.S. Pat. Pub. 2019/0344325; U.S. Pat. Pub. 2019/0344326; U.S. Pat. Pub.2019/0345958; and U.S. Pat. Pub. 2020/0254506.

What is claimed is:
 1. A necking apparatus for reducing a diameter of anopen end of a container body, comprising: a housing having a body withan interior cavity and having a center axis; a necking die positioned inthe interior cavity about the center axis, the necking die configured toreduce the diameter of the open end of the container body in a neckingoperation; a knockout positioned in the interior cavity andconcentrically aligned with the necking die; an outer guide with a firstend operably interconnected to a free end of the housing, a central borethat extends through the first end and a second end, and a ring thatextends into the central bore proximate to the first end; a die guideoperably engaged to the housing and selectively moveable relative to thehousing and into the central bore of the outer guide from a firstclamping position to a second necking position, the die guide includinga first end facing the free end of the housing, a cylindrical bore, anda flange extending inwardly into the cylindrical bore, the flangeconfigured to engage a shoulder of the container body; a biasing elementoperably engaged to the housing with a first end contacting the outerguide and a second end contacting the die guide; and a keeperinterconnected to the second end of the outer guide, the keeperconfigured to limit a stroke of the die guide to a predetermined length.2. The necking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical bore of thedie guide has an interior wall with an interior diameter that is greaterthan an exterior diameter of the container body.
 3. The neckingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the flange has an inner diameter that isless than an exterior diameter of the container body.
 4. The neckingapparatus of claim 1, wherein during the necking operation, the dieguide engages the shoulder of the container body to align the open endof the container body with the necking die before a forming surface ofthe necking die contacts the open end of the container body.
 5. Thenecking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the biasing element is a springwith the first end extending into a hole formed in the ring and thesecond end positioned in a first passage extending into the first end ofthe die guide.
 6. The necking apparatus of claim 5, wherein the dieguide further comprises a second passage with a second depth that isdifferent than a first depth of the first passage such that a forceapplied to the die guide by the spring is altered by positioning thesecond end of the spring in the second passage.
 7. The necking apparatusof claim 1, wherein the die guide includes a protrusion extending fromthe first end facing the necking die, and wherein the flange extendsinwardly from an interior surface of the protrusion.
 8. The neckingapparatus of claim 7, wherein the protrusion has an exterior diameterthat is less than an interior diameter of the ring of the outer guide.9. The necking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the die guide includes afirst flute that extends from a second end of the die guide toward thefirst end of the die guide that is proximate to the necking die, andwherein the keeper has a projection positionable in the first flute tolimit movement of the die guide to the stroke of the predeterminedlength.
 10. The necking apparatus of claim 9, wherein the die guidefurther comprises a second flute with a second height that is differentthan a first height of the first flute such that the length of thestroke is altered by positioning the projection of the keeper in thesecond flute.
 11. The necking apparatus of claim 1, wherein a body ofthe die guide is spaced a first distance from the necking die in thefirst clamping position and the body is spaced a second distance fromthe necking die in the second necking position, the second distancebeing less than the first distance.
 12. A method of reducing a diameterof an open end of a container body, comprising: positioning thecontainer body in a necking apparatus comprising: a housing with a body,an interior cavity, and a center axis; a necking die retained in theinterior cavity; a knockout retained in the interior cavity, theknockout concentrically aligned with the necking die and the centeraxis; an outer guide operably interconnected to the housing and whichhas a first end facing a free end of the housing, a second end, and acentral bore that extends through the first and second ends; a die guideoperably engaged to the housing and selectively moveable into thecentral bore from a first clamping position to a second neckingposition, the die guide including a first end facing the housing and aflange which extends inwardly into a cylindrical bore formed through thedie guide; a biasing element secured to the housing to apply a force tothe die guide; and a keeper interconnected to the second end of theouter guide; engaging a shoulder of the container body with the flangeof the die guide in the first clamping position; moving the die guidefrom the first clamping position to the second necking position relativeto the housing such that the open end of the container body engages thenecking die to perform a necking operation to reduce the diameter of theopen end; and discharging the container body from the necking apparatus.13. The method of claim 12, wherein an interior wall of the cylindricalbore of the die guide has an interior diameter that is greater than anexterior diameter of the container body such that the interior wall doesnot contact the container body during operation of the neckingapparatus.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the flange has an innerdiameter that is less than the exterior diameter of the container body,wherein the container body is clamped by the flange to impede unintendedmovement of the container body relative to the necking die.
 15. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising altering the force applied by thebiasing element to the die guide by: removing the keeper from the outerguide to separate the die guide from the central bore of the outerguide; removing the biasing element from a first passage extending intothe first end of the die guide, the first passage having a first depth;positioning the biasing element in a second passage extending into thefirst end of the die guide, the second passage having a second depththat is different than first depth; returning the die guide to thecentral bore of the outer guide; and interconnecting the keeper to theouter guide to interconnect the die guide to the housing.
 16. The methodof claim 12, further comprising adjusting a length of a stroke of thedie guide by: removing the keeper from the outer guide to withdraw aprojection of the keeper from a first flute of the die guide, the firstflute having a first height to limit the stroke of the die guide to afirst length; positioning the projection in a second flute of the dieguide that has a second height that is different than the first height;and interconnecting the keeper to the outer guide with the projection inthe second flute such that the stroke of the die guide is limited to asecond length that is different than the first length.
 17. A die guideto align an open end of a container body with a necking die of a neckingapparatus, comprising: a body with a first end and a second end; acylindrical bore extending through the first and second ends which issized to receive the container body; a flange extending from the body ofthe die guide into the cylindrical bore, the flange configured to engagea shoulder of the container body; a passage extending into the first endthat is adapted to receive a biasing element; and a flute extending fromthe second end toward the first end, the flute having a first height tolimit a stroke of the die guide to a first length when a projection of akeeper interconnected to the necking apparatus is positioned in theflute.
 18. The die guide of claim 17, further comprising a secondpassage that extends into the first end to a second depth that isdifferent than a first depth of the passage such that a force applied tothe die guide by the biasing element is altered by moving the biasingelement from the passage to the second passage.
 19. The die guide ofclaim 17, further comprising a second flute with a second height that isdifferent than the first height to limit the stroke to a second lengththat is different than the first length when the projection of thekeeper is in the second flute.
 20. The die guide of claim 17, whereinthe cylindrical bore is concentrically aligned with a central axis ofthe die guide, and wherein the cylindrical bore is defined by aninterior wall that has an interior diameter that is greater than aninner diameter of the flange.
 21. The die guide of claim 17, furthercomprising a protrusion extending from the first end, wherein the flangeis formed on the protrusion.